HMX Caramel Pudding vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often come down to the feel and sound profile that best complements your typing style. The HMX Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant and clacky sound, promising an exquisitely smooth typing experience that many enthusiasts find appealing, particularly for those who enjoy a more auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches offer a different vibe with their medium-heavy feel and a buttery smooth action that makes for effortless key presses. Notably, these factory-lubed switches reduce friction, enhancing the overall typing experience while boasting a unique low-pitched, bassy undertone that many users appreciate. While both switches are linear and designed to elevate your typing experience, they cater to different user preferences with their distinctive sound and feel characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the KTT Pine, one quickly notices the contrasting properties of the nylon and polycarbonate utilized in their constructions. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper and fuller audio experience. This softer plastic contributes to a rounder sound profile, ideal for users who prefer a muted and more mellow typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine opts for a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which is a stiffer plastic known for creating a sharper and more crisp sound profile. This dichotomy in materials results in significantly different auditory outcomes, with the Caramel Pudding catering to those who enjoy a more subdued sound, while the Pine appeals to those who favor clarity and resonance in their keystrokes.
Aesthetically, the differences between the two materials play a notable role as well. The polycarbonate used in the KTT Pine is transparent, offering an advantage for RGB lighting integration. This translucency allows for enhanced light diffusion, creating visually appealing effects that can enrich the user experience. On the other hand, the nylon of the Caramel Pudding, while effective in its sound absorption qualities, does not provide the same level of transparency. Instead, it offers a more classic and understated appearance that may not prioritize RGB lighting as much as the Pine's design does. Therefore, the visual impact of each switch is aligned with their unique sound profiles, offering users a choice based not solely on performance but also on aesthetic preference.
Finally, it's essential to consider how the composite nature of housing in each switch influences the overall typing experience. While the Caramel Pudding utilizes the same nylon material for both its top and bottom housing, leading to a cohesive sound profile, the KTT Pine’s polycarbonate construction separates the auditory characteristics between the two components. The nylon allows for a consistent dullness in sound, whereas the polycarbonate creates more distinction between when a key is pressed and when it resets. This results in two distinct experiences in the context of bottom-out sound versus key release sound for each switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two designs will depend on whether an individual prioritizes a unified, softer sound or the dynamic clarity offered by the combination of different materials.
Weight
The HMX Caramel Pudding and KTT Pine linear switches both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for extended use without fatigue. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Caramel Pudding topping out at 52 grams, while the Pine has a higher bottom out force of 58 grams. This difference means that while both switches are light at the actuation stage, the Pine switch requires more force to press all the way down, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter feel and less resistance overall, the Caramel Pudding may be the better choice, whereas the KTT Pine would be preferable for those who enjoy a heavier, more pronounced bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Caramel Pudding switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Pine switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Caramel Pudding switch offers a shorter travel experience, which may be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Pine switch, with its longer travel distance, may be more appealing to those who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing keys. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Caramel Pudding providing a snappier feel and the Pine delivering a more traditional and hearty keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Caramel Pudding has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Pudding for $2.99.
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The sound profile of the HMX Caramel Pudding switch is characterized by a resonant, clacky quality that adds a distinct auditory presence during typing. This clackiness can provide a satisfying feedback for typists who enjoy auditory cues with each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Pine switch presents a deeper, bassy sound, creating a rich and low-pitched auditory experience. This lower frequency tone offers a more subdued auditory feedback that may appeal to those who prefer a more understated acoustic environment. Both switches, while differing in sound characteristics, contribute to a distinct typing experience influenced by their construction and materials, alongside the keyboard and keycap choices you pair them with.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Caramel Pudding is well-regarded for its exquisitely smooth typing experience, delivering a seamless transfer from key press to key release. This quality can enhance typing speed and overall comfort. On the other hand, the KTT Pine delivers a buttery smooth sensation, characterized by a creamy feel that facilitates an effortless typing experience. The factory-lubed finish further minimizes friction, allowing for fluid and unhindered keystrokes. Although both switches are designed to provide a smooth feel, the Caramel Pudding’s smoothness might differ from the Pine’s creamy texture, granting users a unique sensation with each press.
In summary, while both the HMX Caramel Pudding and KTT Pine linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile sensations, their differences cater to varying user preferences. The Caramel Pudding brings a clacky sound and smooth typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy pronounced auditory feedback. Conversely, the KTT Pine emphasizes a deeper, bassy sound profile complemented by a buttery, creamy feel. Depending on your sensory preferences, you can select between these two switches to achieve an enjoyable typing experience, as they both promise smoothness albeit in their unique styles.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HMX Caramel Pudding and KTT Pine linear switches, consider your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you appreciate a lighter actuation force combined with a resonant, clacky sound that enhances the enjoyment of each keystroke, the Caramel Pudding switches might be the perfect fit for your setup. Their medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams provides a comfortable typing experience, especially for those who type fast and prefer a more energetic feel. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, the KTT Pine switches could be more suitable. Their buttery smoothness and bassy, low-pitched sound give a more grounded feel that might appeal to those who enjoy a deeper audio signature while typing. Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether you desire a lively, smooth typing sensation or a more robust and creamy keystroke experience. By evaluating your comfort and auditory preferences, you will find the switch that best complements your mechanical keyboard journey.
Mentioned in this article
